Lincoln is said to have said “I reckon people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” (I admit to changing from the masculine gender to the neutral).

The Power of Positive Thinking is also a classic. In general, if you have air, water, food, clothes and shelter, there is little over which it is worth losing your health. The evidence is that anger, guilt, anxiety and depression are unhealthy, period. All of us have had one or more experiences that may have been unpleasant, painful, disappointing, etc. On the other hand, the beauty of the world and nature, in general, are more than adequate to help us feel grateful and at peace.

No matter what life has dealt so far, the future can be better. A majority of music is uplifting and listening to good music raises beta endorphins, one category of the feel-good neurochemicals. Simple movement, such as yoga or free form Tai Chi raises beta endorphins. Jogging or more vigorous exercise gives an even better boost to feeling good. Dark chocolate contains anandamide, which means bliss. Great art can be both inspirational and peace-inducing.

Saunas, hot tubs, massage and many body therapies raise beta endorphins. Sex, even with yourself, raises beta endorphins — if you enjoy it! Deep relaxation and thousands of self-regulation approaches increase beta endorphins. Photostimulation at frequencies between one and 7 cycles per second raises beta endorphin.

Talking with friends, hugging a friend or a loved one increases oxytocin. Oxytocin is perhaps the ultimate hormone for feeling. You can massage and tap the Ring of Air points and raise oxytocin.

Norm

Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D. is the father of holistic medicine. He recommends autogenic focus (the basis of the Biogenics System) as part of your overall commitment to self-health. Register to download your FREE autogenic focus MP3 now.